PCS moves simplified

NAVY NEWS SERVICE--The SMARTWebMove (SWM) program is a Web-based program that allows transferring families and single service members to arrange their household goods move via the Internet. The household goods application and customized entitlement counseling included in SWM is now available to Sailors and their families stationed in Naples.

According to Naval Support Activity Naples Supply Department Material Officer, LCDR Craig Powell, the program brings convenience and flexibility to its users because families can access it 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from any computer with Internet connectivity.

"They can do it at home or at work. All they need is a computer," Powell said. "They can complete the entire process all in one session or in more than one session, if they choose.

SWM is the first interactive DoD program that provides tailored entitlements counseling and household goods move applications all online. Naples is the first overseas location in the European theater to have the program.

According to Richard McIntire, SWM program manager, the menus are simple to understand, and most customers can complete the process in about one to two hours.

A move under the original process requires the customer to schedule an appointment, make a visit to the personal property office to receive household goods counseling and complete the move application. This process takes an average of four hours for the customers to complete.

"Moving can be a very stressful and time-consuming experience," said McIntire. "SMARTWebMove can help improve the quality of life of our Sailors and their families, and is the least stressful way to arrange a move." With SMARTWebMove, moves are now much easier to set up than having to find the personal property office and go in person.

Furthermore, peak moving season and school rotations will no longer affect a Sailor's ability to schedule an appointment for counseling," McIntire added.

Eligibility is based on the service member's orders and the type of property to be moved. SWM is designed for use by those who are making routine moves and are eligible for simple entitlements based on their PCS [permanent change of station] orders.

Currently, SWM serves Sailors and their families who have PCS orders to a new duty station, homeport, home of selection of home of record. These moves can be made within the continental United States and to/from Italy, Spain and Portugal. Current plans are to have all overseas Navy personal property offices on-line by the end of September 2004. Those who are retiring or separating can also use SWM.

More than 18,000 service members have used the program since it was launched in June 2001.

To find out more about the program, visit the Web site at www.smartwebmove. navsup.navy.mil. SWM meets stringent federal and DoD security standards. As information is transmitted over the Internet, passwords are protected and personal information is encrypted. Customer information i s protected and stored on secure servers.

COPYRIGHT 2004 U.S. Department of the Navy, Supply Systems Command
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group